Why A Hot Dryer Often Fails At Thoroughly Drying Clothes

When putting a load of laundry into the dryer, it can be frustrating to find your clothes coming out still damp even though the dryer itself got hot during the cycle. Unfortunately, it's a relatively common issue that can occur due to several problems with the appliance.

Clogged Lint Screen Reduces Airflow

One of the most basic maintenance tasks that can make all the difference for effective clothes drying is cleaning the lint screen. Lint is composed of the minuscule fibers and particles that get loosened from fabric through friction and make their way into the lint trap.

Over time, this buildup accumulates and starts obstructing the airflow that allows hot air to circulate through the drum to dry your laundry. With nowhere for the hot air to ventilate out, heat gets trapped while your clothes remain damp.

Warning Signs of Excess Lint

How do you know if a clogged lint screen is preventing your dryer from drying properly? Here are a few telltale signs:

• Lint visible around door seal
• Reduced airflow or longer drying times
• Lint screen very dirty even after short cycles
• Dryer exterior feels hot to the touch

Lint Screen Cleaning Tips

To maximize drying power, be sure to:

• Clean lint screen before every load
• Use brush or vacuum hose to remove trapped lint
• Wash screen monthly using warm water and mild detergent

Blocked Vents Prevent Air Circulation

In addition to the lint trap inside the dryer itself, vent ducts carry moisture and heat from the dryer outside of your home. When these vents get clogged, airflow is restricted, humidity and heat get trapped, and drying efficiency drops tremendously.

Causes for blocked vents include:

• Lint accumulation
• Exhaust hood outside obstructed
• Crushed or kinked vent ducts
• Nests, leaves, debris stuck in ducts

Signs of Obstructed Vents

How do you spot blocked vents? Check for:

• Noticeable lint accumulation around vents
• Decreased or weak airflow
• Increased heat and condensation in vent ducts
• Dryer running louder than usual

Unblocking Vents

To unclog vents:

• Detach vent ducts to thoroughly clean interior
• Check exterior vent hood flaps open properly
• Remove debris from all duct sections with vacuum
• Rinse ducts to wash out lingering lint

Blower Wheel Damage Impedes Air Circulation

The blower wheel is essentially a fan inside the dryer that circulates air through the drum. Like a car radiator fan, it can accumulate dirt, lint and other debris over time. A compromised blower wheel ultimately impairs airflow.

Common causes leading to damaged blower wheel include:

• Excess buildup causing resistance
• Belts slipping and wearing down shaft
• Bearings wearing out
• Repeated overheating

Warning Signs

How to diagnose blower wheel failure? Look for:

• Weak or slow air movement
• Burning rubber smell
• Loud rattling or screeching
• Motor working harder with longer run times

Inspecting the Blower Wheel

To thoroughly check for blower wheel damage:

• Unplug dryer before inspection
• Detach front panel to access components
• Remove obstructions around the blower
• Check wheel spins freely without wobbling
• Look for damaged blades or shaft

Heating Element Failure

The heating element activates during the drying cycle to heat the air pushed by the blower wheel throughout the drum. Like the filament in a lightbulb, this element eventually burns out over time.

Common causes of premature heating element failure include:

• Voltage spikes leading to overheating
• Excess buildup of lint and dirt
• Repeated cycling on and off
• General wear after years of use

Warning Signs

How to diagnose a faulty heating element? Check for:

• Dryer not heating up sufficiently
• Dryer frequently overheating or shutting off
• Scorch marks inside the drum
• Heating element not glowing red during cycle

Checking the Element

When inspecting the heating element, look for:

• Visible cracks or damage
• Test continuity with multimeter
• Ensure connects properly and is clear of debris
• Monitor cycling on/off during dryer use

While less common than clogged vents or a dirty lint screen, when a dryer overheats but leaves clothes soaked a defective heating element is often the culprit.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat regulates dryer temperature, much like a home thermostat controls HVAC settings. A problem here prevents the appliance from maintaining the ideal operating temperature for thorough drying.

What causes thermostat issues? Common culprits are:

• Voltage spikes causing failure
• Wear after years of cycling on/off
• Inaccurate temperature readings
• Loose wiring connections

Is the Thermostat Defective?

To identify thermostat problems, check if:

• Dryer fails to heat up at all
• It doesn't reach optimal operating temperature
• Temp swings widely between hot and cold
• Frequent starting/stopping during cycle

Testing the Thermostat

When testing thermostat accuracy:

• Use multimeter to check parts are intact
• Verify connections are secure
• Monitor cycling between settings
• Compare performance against replacement

Replacing a worn-out thermostat typically costs a do-it-yourselfer $15-$50 plus labor for this inexpensive repair restoring consistent heat for drying.

Moisture Sensor Malfunction

The moisture sensor detects when clothes are fully dried and automatically turns off the heating element. When this sensor fails, the machine keeps heating continuously while clothes remain damp.

Common moisture sensor issues stem from:

• Loose wiring connections
• Excess lint/dirt buildup
• General wear after prolonged use
• Voltage spikes or power surges

Sensor Failure Symptoms

To identify a faulty sensor, check if clothes are:

• Still damp when cycle finishes
• Over-dried from cycle continuing too long
• Drying unevenly
• Never fully getting dry

Testing and Replacing

When troubleshooting sensor defects:

• Compare cycle times against normal
• Inspect connections are secure
• Manually check clothes dryness mid-cycle
• Replace sensor if cleaning doesn't resolve

While checking other components first, replacing a blown moisture sensor restores the auto shut-off function for around $40-70.

Lack of Airflow Circulation

Effective moisture evaporation relies on sufficient airflow circulating through clothes. Restricted airflow leads to heat building up with no way to ventilate out - leaving fabric damp while the dryer interior gets hot.

Insufficient airflow is typically tied to:

• Clogged lint screen
• Blocked vents/ductwork
• Damaged blower wheel

Be sure to check each component described above. Self-cleaning vents and replacing a broken blower wheel motor can both restore normal airflow volume for far less than a new dryer.

How to Measure Airflow

To test current airflow strength:

• Check vent exterior for obstructions
• Use airflow meter during cycle
• Compare cubic feet per minute against spec
• Detach ducts and run visual check

Target the source limiting airflow based on your inspection. Preserving optimal circulation prevents frustration of a hot interior yet wet clothes at cycle end.

Professional Repairs

While many homeowners can successfully troubleshoot basic airflow restrictions or replace minor components, complex disassembly reaching motors or heating elements often requires a technician to avoid electrocution risks or further machine damage.

Seeking professional dryer repairs for issues like:

• Faulty motor
• Damaged blower wheel
• Burnt-out heating element
• Thermal fuse needing replacement

Qualified appliance repair pros have specialized tools, testing capabilities, protective equipment and parts sourcing to properly evaluate and fix these less accessible components - without voiding your warranty.

Finding Service Technicians

When selecting a dryer repair company:

• Check ratings/reviews before booking
• Compare multiple quotes
• Ask about their experience with your model
• Inquire if they offer warranties on labor

While temperamental technology and deteriorating parts make dryers prone to malfunction over time, avoiding "handyman" fixes preserves safety plus your appliance investment.

Preventative Maintenance

You can minimize mid-cycle malfunctions through periodic preventative maintenance steps:

• Check/clean lint trap before each load
• Use vent brush attachment to clean ducts
• Inspect seals, wires and connections
• Wipe interior drum to prevent chemical residue
• Follow loading/setting guidelines to prevent overworking

Catching minor buildup early and preserving components enduring high heat/friction goes a long way towards heading off loss of drying effectiveness before it becomes an expensive repair.

It's certainly frustrating when a hot dryer fails at removing moisture properly, resulting in still soggy clothes at cycle end. Typical causes we covered stemmed from restricted airflow due to lint accumulation, blocked vents or ductwork, heating element or thermostat defects, moisture sensor disruption or more complex motor/blower issues.

Thoroughly cleaning lint traps and vent ducts can resolve basic airflow constraints for simpler fixes. Replacing inexpensive components like sensors, thermostats or heating elements is manageable for some DIY-ers after consulting repair videos and guides.

However, allowing a trained technician to handle motor or blower wheel repairs safer protects your warranty while avoiding electrocution risks. Combining preventative maintenance with periodic professional services restores optimal moisture removal so you can feel the heat without wet clothes in the end.